Detroit Grocery Store Gets $830,000 State Grant

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) – The state says more than $830,000 grant has been awarded to support the expansion of the new Parkway Foods grocery store in Detroit.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced the funding this week. MEDC President and Chief Executive Michael Finney said in a statement that the money will “further bring healthy and fresh food offerings” and boost area redevelopment.

The money was approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund. NY Jefferson LLC has redeveloped a vacant former Farmer Jack store into a Parkway Foods following a six-month renovation.

The new store — occupying 47,000 square feet of retail space in the Shops at Jefferson Plaza, neat St. Jean, on the city’s east side — features brick and limestone pavers that create an old world, open market feeling.

The state says the project is generating capital investment of $5.2 million and creating 37 jobs. It’s received other support as well.

“Everyone’s always saying there is nowhere to shop in Detroit, they have to go out of the city but we wanted to show everybody – that’s not necessary – they can get everything they need to get right in their own backyard,” said Nona.